A comparison of sex therapy and communication therapy: couples complaining of orgasmic dysfunction

Forty-eight couples who complained of female orgasmic dysfunction received one of two therapies: sex therapy and communication therapy. Each couple was treated by a team of one male and one female therapist. Pretherapeutic, posttherapeutic and follow-up measurements showed that female sexual satisfaction increased in both therapies, but that the increase came more quickly in sex therapy. Male sexual satisfaction increased in sex therapy, but diminished in communication therapy. A two-phase model of the sexual response was tested against the therapeutic results. The experience of sexual interaction and the orgasmic experience improved in males and females in sex therapy, and in females in communication therapy. The male experience of sexual interaction deteriorated in communication therapy, while the male orgasmic experience initially increased and subsequently diminished again. Satisfaction with the total relationship increased in the males in communication therapy, and in the females in sex therapy.